About the Show

Musicals Tonight presents this 1956 musical romantic comedy which follows the exploits of Ella, a telephone answering service operator with a fascination for her client’s private lives.

At Susanswerphone, Ella uses a variety of voices and personae to keep herself entertained. As she follows the lives of her customers, Ella becomes inextricably involved with a handsome playwright, a fledgling record company, and a dangerous crime ring. The tuneful score, with lyrics by Comden & Green, features some of Jule Styne’s most popular songs, including 'Just in Time,' 'The Party’s Over,' 'Long Before I Knew You' and 'Better Than a Dream.'

Critic Reviews (2)

“Shows written for Ethel Merman, Mary Martin or Barbra Streisand are a hard act to follow but choosing irrepressible Oakley Boycott for the Judy Holliday role in the revival of the 1956 musical comedy ‘Bells are Ringing’ was inspired casting. Not only is this standout talent an excellent actress, singer and dancer, but she is more glamorous than Holliday ever was and has a bigger vocal range. Needless to say she makes the role of Ella Peterson aka Melisande Scott entirely her own.”
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"This is a cute musical. Even its being dated doesn’t dim innate charm...For the piece to work, it must be awash with convincing naïveté, not camp. Sometimes this is accomplished beautifully, at others, actors are so hammy, one wonders they’re directed by the same person...Mixed bag that it is, it’s a pleasure to see the lighthearted piece live and to discover, as always some fine thespians."
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Trailer

Creative team

Musicals Tonight! Inc